Startups x AI: An Overview of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Latin America and the Caribbean
Date issued
May 2026
Subject
Artificial Intelligence;
Startup;
Research and Development;
Innovation;
Science and Technology;
Infrastructure Development;
Regulation;
Health;
Governance;
Venture Capital;
Digital Transformation;
Small Business;
Productivity
JEL code
G24 - Investment Banking • Venture Capital • Brokerage • Ratings and Ratings Agencies;
O33 - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences • Diffusion Processes;
M13 - New Firms • Startups
Category
Technical Notes
The technical note analyzes the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by startups in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), within a global context where AI is consolidating as a general-purpose technology with high transformative potential for productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.
The report focuses on non AI-native startups that incorporate AI as a strategic lever in their products, processes, and business models. Based on a regional survey and case studies, the analysis identifies adoption patterns, benefits, obstacles, and structural gaps that affect their ability to scale.
The findings show that AI is already part of the competitive core of many startups in the region, with strong adoption of generative (85%) and predictive (75%) technologies, particularly in strategic functions such as marketing, product development, and decision-making. However, this adoption is heterogeneous and structured around three profiles: developers, integrators, and explorers which reflect different levels of technological and organizational maturity.
The study also highlights critical challenges: talent gaps, financing constraints, limited adaptation of global solutions to local contexts, weak regulatory awareness, and still emerging governance practices. It also reveals limited coordination with key ecosystem stakeholders, particularly the public sector and investors.
Based on these findings, the report proposes lines of action aimed at strengthening capabilities, improving governance, and accelerating more effective and responsible AI adoption, positioning startups as key actors in the regions productive and inclusive transformation.
The report focuses on non AI-native startups that incorporate AI as a strategic lever in their products, processes, and business models. Based on a regional survey and case studies, the analysis identifies adoption patterns, benefits, obstacles, and structural gaps that affect their ability to scale.
The findings show that AI is already part of the competitive core of many startups in the region, with strong adoption of generative (85%) and predictive (75%) technologies, particularly in strategic functions such as marketing, product development, and decision-making. However, this adoption is heterogeneous and structured around three profiles: developers, integrators, and explorers which reflect different levels of technological and organizational maturity.
The study also highlights critical challenges: talent gaps, financing constraints, limited adaptation of global solutions to local contexts, weak regulatory awareness, and still emerging governance practices. It also reveals limited coordination with key ecosystem stakeholders, particularly the public sector and investors.
Based on these findings, the report proposes lines of action aimed at strengthening capabilities, improving governance, and accelerating more effective and responsible AI adoption, positioning startups as key actors in the regions productive and inclusive transformation.
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